Obama Oversteps Congress, Locks up Land for Personal Legacy

Washington, D.C. – Today President Obama unilaterally locked up nearly 1.8 million acres by designating three new national monuments in California. This action undermines ongoing legislative efforts tailored to the needs and wishes of local communities.

Western Caucus Chairman Cynthia Lummis (WY-At large) and Western Caucus Member and Rep. Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) issued the following statements in response:

“Unsurprisingly, President Obama continues his legacy shopping across the U.S., locking up enormous chunks of western states without regard to local wishes,” said Chairman Lummis. “The President’s action today tosses the locally-tailored California monument designation legislation moving through Congress in the trash, killing local jobs in the process. These heavy-handed designations by President Obama clearly reveal that his legacy means more to him than the needs and livelihoods of the American people.”“The President seems to visit California for only two reasons these days: raise money and wall off land from public access through his interpretation of the Antiquities Act,” said Rep. Kevin McCarthy. “Today’s action by the President flies in the face of Congressman Paul Cook’s efforts to develop consensus legislation with all local stakeholders through the legislative process. As a strong supporter of recreation and access to public lands, I oppose the President’s actions today and I will continue to work with Congressman Cook on a bipartisan solution.”